InstaMorph - Moldable Plastic - 12 oz

by InstaMorph

Product Features

• Super strong moldable plastic pellets.
• Heat, mold, and use within minutes. Reheat to remold again and again.
• Great for all types of art, hobbies, prototypes, props, modeling, etc.
• Create custom grips, mounts, brackets, knobs, dials, and connectors without molds.
• 12 oz of InstaMorph in a conveneint screw top storage jar. Enough for many different projects in a single jar.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 3.8 inches ; 13.8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 13.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B003QKLJKQ
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #119 in Arts, Crafts & Sewing (See Top 100 in Arts, Crafts & Sewing)
  • #1 in Arts, Crafts & Sewing > Craft Supplies > Sculpture Supplies > Modeling Compounds

Product Description

InstaMorph is an advanced modeling compound that melts in hot water or air (140 deg F) and solidifies at room temperature. When warm, it acts like clay, but when it cools it resembles a strong plastic. Unlike other products that once they dry they are locked in that shape forever, InstaMorph can be reheated over and over again and re-molded into any number of configurations. When InstaMorph is heated to molding temperature, the pellets turn clear. Once the plastic cools, it returns to its original white color. Use it for making exciting art projects at school or at home. Create props, masks, or other costume pieces for Halloween or theater. Makes excellent brackets, parts, molds, or housings for your next project. Make your own action figures or accessories. Mold around existing handles or grips for an easy ergonomic solution. Make custom cases or stands for the latest electronic gadgets. Ideal for prototypers or makers who want a strong, reusable compound. Mold it with your hands, tools, or press around an object to make a mold. InstaMorph can be painted, machined, carved or attached to other materials. InstaMorph can also be dyed or impregnated with glow in the dark powder for other exciting project possibilities.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

130 of 132 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is Shapelock/Friendly Plastic: surprisingly strong, a little goes a long way, good for kids!, July 2, 2010

By 

Y. R. Wu "The will to win is nothing without ... (Ann Arbor, Michigan) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: InstaMorph - Moldable Plastic - 12 oz

I heard about this as "Shapelock" and for whatever reason, the company decided to rename it "Friendly Plastic". "Instamorph" is another name for the same material.

It's Polycaprolactone, Wikipedia has a great entry on it.

The pellets melt in 150F-160F water. This is hot enough to scald you but not cause a serious burn. I was afraid this would mean that kids wouldn't be able to play with it but in fact they can due to the low thermal capacity and conductivity. Within a minute or two of coming out of the hot water bath this stuff cools down enough that it's just warm. However it still remains pliable enough for kids to have a lot of fun.

When it does finally cool completely it's hard and strong. I'm used to Fimo/Sculpey which is really very weak. This stuff is suprisingly strong. Strong enough that I have yet to break a part which was fully cooled. I'd say it's as structural as the plastic in most kid's toys and actually a bit tougher (resistant to cracking) I believe there must be some crystallization going on. I made a device where the plastic acts as a living spring - it flexes with a surprisingly high modulus.

I've made a number of things with it already - a cell phone holder, a shoe horn, a cable organizer, even special hook to hold an IV bag on a light stand.

You don't use much of the material because any pieces you have are easily remelted into your next project. Once something outlives it's usefulness you simply melt it back down.

Recommendations:

1) Stretch out leftover pieces so they're not too solid - this speeds up remelting later on.
2) Get the little container first unless you definitely have something in mind. I bought the 28 oz to start and despite using it quite a bit, I have barely made a dent - as mentioned, you re-use any leftovers.
3) You can also use it as a glue. When it's heated to the clear state (160F) it is very sticky.
4) Make your parts in sections. When done, you can dip in hot water to melt the surface and then stick the sections together.
5) When making pieces, keep a hot bath (pot on stove) and a cold bath (Ice water) so you can soften/harden easily
6) Put a thermometer in your hot bath and try to keep it at 150-160
7) Don't forget that you can carve, drill, cut, and even tap the material once it's cooled
8) Be patient! There's definitely a learning curve to making good parts.

If you have questions or comments, or if you found this review helpful, please let me know!

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Make it, August 1, 2010

By 

Max - See all my reviews

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: InstaMorph - Moldable Plastic - 12 oz

InstaMorph has captured my imagination. I am a musician and tech junkie and thought the applications for InstaMorph would allow me to make stands, cases and handles for all my stuff. That it did and does, but it is so much more. I have repaired a cracked interior panel in my Honda Element (saving several hundred dollars). I have securely insulated and spliced two audio cables together without tape, heat shrink or solder. My toothbrush finally has a home. My mixer finally sits at the correct angle on my desk. I've disposed of my envelope/letter holder for something much more efficient and small. The switch that keeps breaking off of my organ is now replaced forever.

If my dad had this when I was a kid my toys would have lasted twice as long.

And it's strong. The thicker you make it the stronger it is (duh). But under stress it doesn't snap; it bends. It's tough. And the 12oz container goes a long way. I'm halfway through mine and I've made a ton of stuff.

This should be as common a household product as duct tape in no time, and in case you didn't read the description, it's reusable.

You need it in ways you can't even comprehend.

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BEST TOOL IN THE TOOLBOX, September 27, 2010

By 

S. Chanen - See all my reviews
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= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: InstaMorph - Moldable Plastic - 12 oz

I tried this product to make a part for my car and ended up making a scale model of the Eiffel Tower. This stuff is incredibly easy to work with. It stays soft long enough to work with it. It paints easily with a wide variety of paints. I recommend setting aside at least 15 minutes to melt the pellets and do the project. I obtained a great deal of satisfaction making something I needed instead of having to purchase it and the rest of the family had fun. This InstaMorph stuff now has a permanent home in my main toolbox. This is listed as a toy, but is as indispensable as my hammer.